A rich journey through Kerala, combining historic charm, rolling hill stations and the serene backwaters.
Begin this Kerala adventure with two nights in Fort Cochin, where you’ll explore colonial streets, vibrant spice markets and cultural landmarks before travelling inland to Munnar, a former hill station surrounded by tea gardens and shola forests. Here, days are spent trekking along scenic ridges or cycling through private estates with the chance to pick and brew your own tea. From Munnar, the journey continues to the tranquil backwaters of Kumarakom, where you’ll unwind at a luxury lakeside resort. A private houseboat cruise reveals daily village life along the canals, with time to relax and enjoy traditional Keralan cuisine. The trip concludes with a peaceful day at leisure before returning to Cochin for your onward journey.
Trip Highlights
Wander through the historic streets of Fort Cochin, discovering colonial architecture, art galleries, spice markets and the iconic Chinese fishing nets.
Explore the rolling tea plantations and shola forests of Munnar, with the option to trek along the Western Ghats or cycle through private estates and make your own tea.
Cruise the tranquil backwaters on a private houseboat, drifting past villages and coconut groves while enjoying a traditional Keralan lunch.
Relax in luxury at Kumarakom Lake Resort, with time to swim, unwind and soak up the serenity of the backwaters.
Visit spice farms and enjoy authentic hospitality with a family lunch en route to Munnar.
When to go
This Kerala itinerary is best enjoyed between October and March, when the weather is cooler, less humid, and skies are clearer, ideal for sightseeing, tea garden walks and backwater cruising.
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Day by Day Itinerary
A private transfer will take you 1.5 hours to your hotel in Fort Cochin, where you will stay for two nights.
If time allows, enjoy a guided walk through the backstreets ending at the waterfront for sunset views over the Chinese fishing nets.
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This morning, discover the Heritage Zone, including St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Cathedral and the charming narrow streets lined with galleries, boutiques and cafés, ending at the Chinese Fishing Nets.
Continue to Mattancherry to see the Dutch Palace and Jewish Synagogue, before returning via Bazaar Street’s spice shops.
In the evening, you may wish to attend a Kathakali dance performance.
Begin the day with a cycling tour of Fort Cochin.
After breakfast, travel five hours to Munnar, stopping en route at a spice and rubber farm for lunch with the local family, before settling into your hill station retreat surrounded by tea gardens and tropical forests.
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Enjoy a leisurely morning before a five-hour drive to the Keralan Backwaters. Arrive in time for a late lunch and an afternoon at leisure.
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Where to stay
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